Nearly 60 unlocked vehicles were ransacked across Rittman over the last week, according to police.
On July 4, residents from all over the city reported that their unlocked vehicles were entered overnight, Rittman police said. The suspect or suspects targeted about 17 unlocked vehicles on Decourcey, Pueblo, Pleasantview, Bradley, Cheyenne, Hickin, Greenwood, Metzger, Maplewood, and Villa. Items reported missing include change, a wallet, credit cards, a small knife, prescription medication, cash and a watch. The suspect or suspects also tampered with the fuse panel of at least one of the vehicles.
On the morning of Saturday, July 7, 12 more residents reported that their unlocked vehicles were entered by unknown persons seeking valuables, police said. The thieves reportedly targeted Seneca, Frederick, Wayne, Gish, Industrial and First streets. Victims reported missing wallets, cash, change and gift cards.
On the morning of Sunday, July 8, 29 more residents reported their vehicles were entered. The suspects targeted Driftwood, Hawkridge, Strawbery Hill, Jasmine, Windswept, Pebble Cove, Windsor Mews, and Milton Road. Items reported missing include cash and change.
In the wake of the thefts, one Rittman police official put it alliteratively: "Prolific pilfering persists!"
On July 4, the Rittman Police Department posted a reminder to Facebook: "lock your vehicles and remove all valuables..."
